In a move to tackle the maternal health crisis, a bipartisan group of senators including Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Roger Marshall (R-KS) have rolled out the Dads Matter Act of 2025. This novel legislation seeks to enhance maternal health outcomes by ramping up fatherhood engagement, according to a press release from Senator Gallego's Office. It unifies under the understanding that a father's active role during pregnancy and early childhood fortifies the wellness of mothers and children, and subsequently, strengthens familial bonds.
Highlights of the Dads Matter Act include directives for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to initiate a public awareness campaign. The campaign will aim to educate about the importance of father's inclusion during the perinatal period. Additionally, state guidance will be provided, aiming to encourage healthcare professionals to incorporate fathers into maternal and child healthcare practices. Christopher A. Brown, president of National Fatherhood Initiative®, validated the legislation's focus, pointing out the heightened benefits for maternal and child health outcomes when fathers are actively engaged, citing this period as "a golden moment" for fatherly involvement.
The legislation also charges the Government Accountability Office (GAO) with evaluating its effectiveness and presenting a report to Congress. Senator Gallego underscored the urgent need to mitigate pregnancy-related deaths in Arizona by stating, "When dads show up, maternal health outcomes are better, babies are healthier, and families are stronger." Senator Marshall, bringing over 25 years of experience as an OBGYN, added weight to the legislation by emphasizing the critical nature of a solid support system for both pediatric and maternal health outcomes, as reported by Senator Gallego's Office.
Among the key supporters of the Dads Matter Act is Heidi Murkoff, author of "What to Expect When You’re Expecting" and founder of the What to Expect Project. Murkoff highlighted the long-overdue recognition of fathers in the conversation about maternal health, asserting, "The science and research are clear: Not only are fathers biologically hard wired to be nurturers, but they’re the best and most effective champions of maternal and infant health," according to Senator Gallego's Office. She went on to eagerly support the bill's promise to better integrate fathers into the healthcare narrative. Gabrielle Albert, Executive Director & Board Vice President & Secretary of 4Kira4Moms, complemented this sentiment by expressing excitement over the legislation's potential to educate and support fathers in their journey alongside mothers.
With the bipartisan Dads Matter Act, Senator Gallego continues his advocacy for better health outcomes, having previously introduced similar legislation in the House and recently proposing the Postpartum Lifeline Act to extend comprehensive postpartum healthcare coverage.
